Rev. Smith has offered some basic sign language training, that was taken by a number of members of the congregation, including some Sunday School teachers. Unfortunately, as with any language, if you don't practice it, you lose it.

During winter 2007 Rev. Smith taught Confirmation Class to three youths, Darryl, Jerome and Colleen. Teaching confirmation class was a challenge for Rev. Smith as he acted as sign language interpreter at the same time, to explain to Colleen orally what Darryl and Jerome were saying (or signing) and to explain to Darryl and Jerome in sign language what Colleen was saying. All three confirmands were confirmed during our April 1, 2007 Palm Sunday worship service. A sign language interpreter provided sign language interpretation of that whole service.

We currently have several deaf people who regularly attend our Sunday services. We would like to be able to serve these people better and in their own language. GREAT NEWS. We have found someone to do this. The first time Katherine signed a worship service in American Sign Language (ASL) was our 2007 Christmas Eve service. Katherine continues to provide sign language translation twice a month. These are the upcoming services with ASL translation: August 31, September 14, 28, October 12, 26.

If you don't know sign language or want to find out more about it, selected American Sign Language (ASL) resources are given here.